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Deborah Ridge Obituary

DEBORAH RIDGE (Orwig), beloved wife of James M, fond sister of Pam (the late Lenny) Ventimiglia and Geoff (Carol) Orwig. Dear Sister-in-law of Margaret (the late William) Cullen. Beloved Cousin and Aunt to many. Despite numerous health issues over her life, she didn't let that affect her dedication to help others. She was blessed with love and caring from her family, friends, and her caregiver of many years, Kim Lindahl. The love and support she received enabled her to dedicate her life to helping others in need. Unable to use a Guide Dog herself, she sponsored twenty-three Guide Dogs from Guide Dogs of America. She was instrumental in fundraising for St. Baldrick's Foundation, which raises money for medical research and treatments of childhood cancers. Deb was a bell ringer for the Salvation Army at Christmas. Deb will be missed, but never forgotten by all whose life she touched. Visitation Monday, January 15, 2024, 11:00 AM - noon, at St. Patrick Church, 991 S. Waukegan Road, Lake Forest, Illinois, followed by Mass at noon. Private Internment. In lieu of flowers a donation would be appreciated to either Guide Dogs of America or St. Baldrick's Foundation.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Chicago Tribune from Jan. 13 to Jan. 14, 2024.

Memories and Condolences
for Deborah Ridge

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4 Entries

Victoria Buzash

January 16, 2024

Deborah´s beautiful smile and sweet spirit will always be remembered. My condolences to the entire Ridge and Orwig families.

Valene Staggs

January 15, 2024

I met Debbie shortly after I moved into my condo unit. I volunteered to decorate the lobby of our building for the holidays. I was curious when Debbie was wheeled into the lobby as I was working on decorating and asked if she could SEE the decorations. Her marvelous caretaker, Kim, wheeled her up to each decoration and explained to her their shape and color etc. as Deb was gently fingering each piece tenderly with the biggest smile on her face. When she was done, she said "Thank you for letting me look, again with that magnetic smile of hers. Thank you Debbie for teaching so many anothe lesson in life!

Marilyn Henderson

January 14, 2024

To me, Deb was an amazing woman. I came to know Deb in the last 6 years of her life. With every encounter with Deb I marveled at her strength to deal with her many challenges and still be so positive and happy and ready to laugh. She didnt let her limitations prevent her from contributing in any way she could to causes important to her and society. Deb was truly a remarkable woman.

Marilyn Henderson

Linda Katz

January 13, 2024

Deb was a high school friend of mine. We had our own gang of girls who went shopping every Saturday. Deb was always the life of our day. She had such a big heart and big smile. May her memory be a blessing.

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Memorial Events
for Deborah Ridge

Jan

15

Visitation

11:00 a.m.

St. Patrick Church

991 S. Waukegan Road, Lake Forest, IL

Jan

15

Funeral Mass

12:00 p.m.

St. Patrick Church

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